International students in Hanover: Prize for social commitment!

International students in Hanover: Prize for social commitment!

The student project group IsiEmhh at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) received the prize for social commitment on July 1, 2025 for its extraordinary commitment to the integration of international students. The prize, which is endowed with 1,500 euros, was awarded by the Hannover Student Union and recognizes the group's work, which has been going on for 17 years and stands for “integration, linguistic and intercultural entry into the MHH”. This initiative aims to make it easier for international students to enter their studies and society.

At the beginning of each academic year, IsiEmhh offers an introductory week that is specifically designed for international students. In the first year of study, a comprehensive action program is organized that aims to break down language and cultural barriers. Weekly specialist tutorials are used, which provide important support for first-year students with a foreign language background. Around 20 dedicated tutors are available to support international students with everyday challenges such as finding accommodation and completing scholarship applications.

Appreciation of the work

During the award ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ingo Just, former dean of studies at the MHH, gave a laudatory speech in which he emphasized the immense importance of the program for integration. Mareike Hoffmann, coordinator of the project in the International Office of the MHH, also praised the students' high level of commitment. Laurids Matti Nieber, CEO of IsiEmhh, expressed his joy about the intercultural exchange and announced future event formats, such as a cooking course, that are intended to further promote cooperation.

This social initiative by the MHH is part of larger efforts to support international students in Germany, particularly within the framework of the FIT program funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The aim of this program is to offer international students support throughout their qualification path and to prepare them for the German labor market. It is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and promotes integration into subject-specific studies and ensuring student success...

FIT program for international students

The FIT program, which started on April 1, 2024 with funding for a total of 89 projects at German universities, aims to specifically prepare international prospective students for the requirements of studying in Germany. This not only makes the transition to specialist studies easier, but also promotes measures to prepare for, support and ensure success in studies. The program also supports the expansion of career services for international students at German universities and will continue until 2028.

IsiEmhh's efforts at the MHH and the DAAD's initiatives underline the committed efforts of German universities to promote the integration of international students and to accompany them on their path to successful studies and a professional career in Germany. This is not only a benefit for the students themselves, but also for the university landscape as a whole.